Executive Specialist: Business Data Insights and Enablement at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• Responsible for creating a future fit strategy and leading a business aligned data team, leveraging and contributing to the broader capabilities of the Chief Data and Analytics Office. Creating a culture of business partnership and solutioning through data and analytics.

Job Description

Experience, Education & Skills required:

• 10+ years leading teams in a similar environment and role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Actuarial Science or similar preferred with at least 10+ years related data experience
• Banking / Financial Services experience preferred
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead change in a team
• Analytical and interpretive skills
• Good judgement, problem solving and conflict handling skills
• Strong commercial skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy Formulation and Execution:
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement data strategies that align with the business unit’s goals.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions and improve market positioning.
• Develop a future fit operating model for the team, considering the long-term vision of the broader Chief Data and Analytics Office.
• Customer Focus:
• Advocate for the customer by leveraging data insights to enhance service offerings and client interactions, either directly in the team or leveraging the broader Chief Data and Analytics Office.
• Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously assess customer satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation by driving initiatives that leverage data to create client-centric products and services. Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement change management strategies.
• Leading Talent:
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of data specialists.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages continuous learning and professional growth and values orientated teams
• Operational Effectiveness:
• Streamline data processes and systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Data Visualization and Reporting
• Ensure reporting and analytics solutions meet the need of the stakeholders and align to overall Chief Data and Analytics strategy
• Have a deep understanding of best practices when implementing reports and practical experience with Microsoft PowerBI.
• Drive for full automation of all reporting, and continually look for more relevant ways of surfacing insights to stakeholders.
• Analytics and Insights
• Identify opportunities through analytics either directly in the team or by leveraging the broader Chief Data and Analytics Office.
• Foster a culture of self-guided enquiry in the business units.
• Partner with the business units to find solutions and insights to meet specific business challenges.
• Good Governance, Risk, and Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards in all data-related initiatives.
• Develop, follow and enforce policies to protect data integrity and confidentiality.
• Follow best practices for data management and utilization.
• Data Commercialization / Sustainable Growth:
• Identify and pursue opportunities to monetize data assets, enhancing revenue streams through analytics.
• Identify opportunities for business expansion and revenue generation through the effective use of data analytics.
• Collaborate with business units to create data-driven offerings that meet market demands.
• Develop and track key performance indicators to measure growth initiatives and success.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Data Science